What to serve with lemon chicken
What to Serve with Lemon Chicken: A Guide to Perfect Pairings
Lemon chicken, with its tangy, refreshing flavor, is a popular dish that delights the palate. However, choosing the right side dishes can elevate this meal to new heights. Here are some suggestions for perfect pairings with lemon chicken.
Rice
One of the most popular accompaniments to lemon chicken is rice. This humble grain acts as a blank canvas, soaking up the lemony sauce and providing a delightful contrast to the chicken’s tangy flavor. Whether you opt for plain, jasmine, or even a mushroom pilaf, rice is always a safe bet to pair with lemon chicken.
Roasted Vegetables
For a healthier option, consider serving roasted vegetables with your lemon chicken. The caramelization from the roasting process adds depth and complexity to the vegetables, making them a perfect partner for the citrusy chicken. Root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or parsnips, or Mediterranean vegetables like bell peppers, courgette and aubergine, would all make great choices.
Pasta
Pasta is another excellent choice. A light, lemony pasta salad can complement the chicken’s strong citrus flavor, or a creamy Alfredo or carbonara could provide a rich contrast. Remember, the goal is balance – you don’t want the pasta to overshadow the chicken, so choose your pasta and sauce wisely.
Salad
If you’re looking for a lighter, more refreshing option, a crisp salad would be an excellent choice. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can help balance the richness of the chicken, while a more complex salad, perhaps with nuts, cheese, or fruit, can add some exciting contrasts and make the meal more interesting.
In conclusion, when it comes to pairing side dishes with lemon chicken, the key is balance. You want something that will complement the chicken’s citrus flavor without overpowering it, and the options are virtually limitless. Whether you choose rice, vegetables, pasta, or salad, the right side dish can turn your lemon chicken dinner into a meal to remember.
